Capital Dynamics, a private asset manager, has invested in a 21-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm project in Northern Ireland.
Capital Dynamics holds a 100 per cent ownership stake in the project called the Dunmore wind farm.
Capital Dynamics has commenced construction of the project and has secured a 15-year agreement with a major UK power retailer for the purchase of the energy produced by the seven turbine scheme. This means investors will begin receiving steady streams of income immediately upon completion of the project and commencement of power generation, both of which are expected in the first quarter of 2014.
Capital Dynamics has partnered with wind developer TCI Renewables, whose specialist onshore wind development activities span Great Britain, Ireland and North America. The project is fully complemented by a 15-year warranty, operation and maintenance contract with Danish turbine supplier Vestas Wind Systems.
The Dunmore wind farm is situated just eight kilometres from the North Sea coast, near Limavady in County Derry, one of the highest wind speed locations in all of Europe. The project also benefits from exposure to the single “All Island” electricity market between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The “All Island” electricity market has committed to delivering 40 per cent of its total electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2020, the majority of which is expected to be supplied by wind power.
“The Dunmore wind farm is an outstanding wind power project with very strong fundamentals in its location, both in proximity to the grid and a robust wind supply,” says Rory Quinlan, managing director in the clean energy and infrastructure team at Capital Dynamics. “Using well-proven Vestas V90 turbines, this clean energy investment will offer our investors attractive cash yields year-on-year under a 15-year sales contract with one of Ireland’s leading energy suppliers. Our team has significant experience in onshore wind power in the UK, adding value throughout the construction and long-term operation phase.”
“We are delighted to have made an investment in such a compelling wind power project and in such a strategic location,” says Stefan Ammann, chief executive of Capital Dynamics. “With this latest direct investment in renewable energy, our Clean Energy and Infrastructure program continues to gain momentum. We expect to make further investments in high-quality clean energy projects over the coming months, offering strong and stable cash returns.”
